When are incremental builds of the index typically used?

Incremental builds of the index are typically used when changes are made to the content or structure of existing documents. This process allows for a more efficient update of the search index without having to rebuild it entirely from scratch. By focusing on only the updated documents, incremental builds save time and resources, ensuring that the system remains responsive to user queries while reflecting the most current information available.

In scenarios where a large database has only a few modifications, such as changes to existing documents, incremental indexing allows those updates to be incorporated swiftly. This is particularly important in dynamic environments where documents are frequently revised or updated, ensuring the index is always synchronized with the latest content. Such practices enhance system performance and search accuracy, making them preferable over full re-indexing.